A Million Lights

“They left us alone” Indeed, after they shared life stories and joked around, Mizuki left with Chris and so, the two subjects remained all alone in front of the restaurant. “That little-“ Nao stopped swearing at his friend when he realized there was no petite figure next to him any more. She started to walk towards the park where the blind date started.

“So your name is Anna.” They were the only souls on that path, walking beside each other, lost into the surroundings. “Nana-Anna- nice word game. Who would have thought I had such a big impact on your life” He continued, trying to liven up the mood. He wasn’t that type of guy who could keep his mouth shut and truthfully, she wasn’t either. They had so much to tell each other and it seems as if there wasn’t enough time. Thinking that they may not meet again after that night, she chose to take the initiative.

“Actually, I never thought I will be haunted by a guy I met coincidentally one day for 4 years.” Even if she spoke easily, the impact on him was huge. He stopped and frowned. The place the two faced each other more seriously just happened to be a small decorative bridge from the central park.

 “Fate is seriously messing with me” She whispered, seeing the situation she was into and where it was taking place.

“I didn’t tell you to give up on anything” He started again while walking closer to her. She didn’t react. “You asked me what happens when you change the reason to keep living. I was foolish when I told you to give yourself into the wind and let yourself be taken by it. It takes you nowhere” Anna’s eyes were staring into Nao’s soul, he could feel it. Her green orbs were reading him like an open book.

“Nao,” His head was bent since her stare was too much to bear. “I’ve been asked what I will do when I will meet you again. Everyone knew for sure that it was inevitable, everyone except me. I was scared to meet you again, I was scared how big of an impact you will have on me this time,” She slowly closed the distance between them. When she was right in front of him, she turned to the left and let herself be submerged into the scenery.

“I-“She interrupted him instantly.

“I don’t regret anything. I don’t regret meeting you, sleeping with you, listening to you. That day was the best day of my life. I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t like that. We were complete strangers; complete opposites and we knew it was the beginning of the end.” She sighed and bit her lips, trying to find the right way to explain her feelings. “It wasn’t what you said that haunted me, it was you” In that moment, Nao’s head raised instantly. He realized she moved her green orbs on him. He couldn’t read her; that fact certainly didn’t change. But, he was intrigued by her point of view over that one day.

“I want you to know…I-“He wasn’t sure if he could voice his thoughts as well as her but he knew he had to show her. He leaned towards her, his eyes never leaving hers. She didn’t move, which he took a sign to continue. Their lips touched and they both felt the attraction, the blood rushing through their veins, the electricity slipping from one body to the other. It was intense but at the same time, it wasn’t.

They remained looking into each other’s eyes in silence. It looked beautiful from the outside. Their bodies were illuminated by the buildings around the park and the place itself was romantic. But, looking closer, they were two people who didn’t know what they wanted from themselves and from the other. They weren’t in love but fate just didn’t want to give up.

The Date

“I guess you look acceptable…” Mizuki eyed Anna from head to toe from the second she came into view. She wore a black sleeveless dress, complimenting her long legs and her collarbone. Over it she had a thin shawl. She had a light touch of grey and dark blue make-upt which highlighted her eyes. Also, since she wasn’t a fan of high heels, she chose a pair of long black boots with shorter heels. She didn’t look as fancy as Mizuki wanted but she was pretty.

“I wasn’t going to dress for a wedding. From your voice mails I realized you will do that but here you are, wearing pants, high heels and a sleeveless shirt.” The older woman scoffed and crossed her arms in front of her chest. Anna smirked and playfully pushed her friend.

“I got a call from Chris before you came. He said your partner had a few problems to take care of so they may be a little late” Anna rolled her eyes and scoffed. The motion didn’t go unnoticed by Mizuki who slapped her friend’s arm.

“Anyway, Takeshi called me yesterday. He wants us to hang out like old days”

“I know. I also know that won’t happen soon because of our schedules.” Mizuki nodded sadly. It was mostly her fault because she was the busy surgeon. It was hard enough to have that night off and she didn’t know when she will have another chance at freedom.

“Oh, I heard your book gets adapted into a movie. I also heard some hot actors will play in it.” She moved her eyebrows up and down, having what Anna would have called ‘starry eyes’.  “Call me if you scratch your knee on the set.” She nudged the younger woman. Anna started to laugh. Why would she scratch her knee on the set? She was practically just watching everything roll and give adjustments when needed.

While starting to get caught into her own world, Mizuki caught sight of the two awaited men. She inspected them from afar. There was a guy who looked to be around her age with light brown hair, styled in a certain way, dressed quite fashionably and his friend who wasn’t dressed to impress but didn’t look bad either. He was taller than the first one and he seemed to be 100% Japanese. She figured that probably the fashionable one was her date while the one who didn’t seem to have put much effort into his looks was his friend.

“Anna” She whispered when she saw how close they were. Since the brunette didn’t respond, and was actually facing other way, Mizuki pinched her. When she turned, the Japanese woman pointed with her head towards the two males. For a moment Anna didn’t seem very interested but when the boys stopped in front of them, she felt how her breath had just been taken away. Her eyes widened a little and for a second she stared intently at him. Faster than she imagined, she turned her eyes away and tried to avoid looking at him.

On the other side, the taller man got equally surprised. His eyes didn’t widen but he gasped, even though it was unnoticeable. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked different, grown up actually, but she had the same wandering green eyes, the same petite figure and the same superior demeanour around her.

“Sorry we were late. This guy here had to run off somewhere just a few hours before the date. He returned right on time, though.” Mizuki was already swiped off by her date. That man seemed perfect from every angle and he had a boyish smile planted on his face. “By the way,” His eyes traveled to Anna who was trying really hard to keep her eyes on the younger male. “I’m Chris, 25 years old bachelor” He bowed cutely and smiled towards the unknown person. “This is my friend, Nao.” He nudged his friend, even though the reaction was very small. “He’s a great photographer; even got awards for his projects!” The sentence was obviously addressed to Anna because he was going to be her date and had to look impressive.

“I’m Mizuki, awesome surgeon” She also bowed towards both guys, politely. “This is Anna. She’s also a great writer.” Anna smiled nervously to Chris but as fast as it came, it disappeared.   

The way to the restaurant was horrible and awkward for both subjects. When he wasn’t stealing glances at her, she would. When Mizuki or Chris would try getting them to talk about random subjects, they would respond fast and with limited words. Chris was mostly talking with Mizuki and was walking besides her, so Anna and Nao were the ones left behind, walking in synch. They didn’t utter a word the whole time and even after arriving at the restaurant, they would be silent. Even though she tried not to care, Nao’s stares were very strong. He would watch her do anything, even ignoring him.  For him, seeing her again meant more than she would have thought.

“So, Anna” Chris saw how awkward his friend was acting and he was surprised he didn’t take the initiative yet, like he would had on other dates. He was silent and would watch the petite woman intently. He had never seen Nao like that so he wanted to know what was so special about that mere writer. “I heard from Mizuki that you actually finished business and management. How come you ended up as a writer?” Anna’s eyes didn’t move nor sparkle. She didn’t care at that moment about Mizuki or Mizuki’s date. The only important thought she had was how cruel life just became for her.

“I made a deal with my parents when I was young. As long as I will give a shot they will support me through a business career. However,” Her eyes slowly travelled to Nao, who surprisingly had his head bent down, his eyes set on his uninteresting and empty plate. “Throughout years I realized I lost my will to inherit the family business so I gave up.” Chris nodded, analyzing in his head the new acquired information.

“And what about your relationship now? I mean, with your parents.”  Anna chuckled and started to play with the fork, making circles on the napkin.

“I gave up on the life of young and rich. I took it from the bottom, like everyone else. The only income was working part time, back then. Now, I am a full time writer and my life stabilized.” She didn’t take her eyes from the napkin. It wasn’t a sad story; it wasn’t like she didn’t know what she was getting into. She didn’t want that rich bachelor’s pity. She was a grown up adult who had every right to do anything she wanted as long as it was for her own good.  

However, even if in her point of view, she was pretty accomplished with the path she chose, Nao wasn’t. He lived that kind of life before, where he would walk aimlessly, looking for a job or for a reason to keep going. He knew she was rich from her attitude but it seemed as if she kept that superiority even after 4 years. Truthfully, he blamed himself. They met when she wasn’t sure what she should do in life and he just nudged her towards a choice that practically ruined her.

“But it’s fine. The first year was difficult, I won’t lie,” She chuckled while remembering how many silly mistakes she used to make. However, that wasn't the climax of her feelings. “I was all alone…” She mumbled, trying to sound as soft as possible so no one would be able to hear.

“What about Nao-kun?” Mizuki was trying her best to keep the conversation going or at least make the two talk with each other. It wasn't going very well. Nao was either shy or not interested whatsoever in Anna. She came to the assumption that maybe they were completely different and didn't like each other at all. With all these thoughts running through her head, in the moment Nao started to talk Mizuki could swear she wanted to slap both subjects hard.

“I started as a freelancer but now I have stable connections. As a photographer I'm always on the run.” He smiled, annoyingly cutely, at Mizuki and continued. “I met a lot of different people and I can’t say I am able to stay somewhere more than a few weeks.”

“ I've seen that…” Anna’s mumble didn't go unnoticed by Nao. His attention was concentrated on her the whole time. He didn't care what Mizuki thought about him as long as afterwards, he could talk with Anna.

“Nao is-how can I explain it- very difficult.” Chris continued, using his hands to describe his friend. He was very suggestive. “He tried to have relationships before, or at least I tried to get him to, but he’s always completely parallel.” The defendant chuckled softly, trying to make it all go away by shaking his head. It didn't work. Chris started to establish Nao’s past relationships which were a nightmare for him but Anna found it quite funny. She would laugh and would actually show more than one facial expression.

“At least you’re enjoying yourself…” This time, he mumbled, while shifting in his seat. He didn't seem to care if she heard, moreover, the complaint was towards her and it didn't go unnoticed. She laughed it off as if nothing happened, but for the first time that night, her eyes sparkled.

Famous vs Anonymous

A few hours later and a few new phone calls later, she found herself in front of a restaurant across Tokyo Tower. The view was beautiful but her mood dropped in the moment she placed her foot inside the tiny building. It wasn't hard to figure who she was supposed to meet since he was the only man in a business suit, waving and smiling brightly at her. The table was placed on the more private area of the restaurant meant for the rich and busy.

“It’s really nice to meet you in person. I hope I didn't ask much.” She bowed politely and sat down. The smile her new agent had was very creepy. She wondered how he could put up such face for so long. “Let’s take it from the very first beginning.” She nodded and watched as he got up and bowed down to her. It felt a little overwhelming. “Hello, my name is Sato Yuji and I will be your new agent. Please take care of me.”

For a few seconds, she couldn't move or talk. Her eyes were wide truthfully, she was speechless. The man, Sato-san, sat back down and placed his hands on the table, business like.

“Now, Anna san, I would be delighted if we could work well together. Your schedule, in fact, isn’t as busy as Kitagawa san or Matsumoto san’s. However,” He took a break and grabbed an agenda from his bag. “You are the author of Lovers in Tokyo which soon will be adapted into a movie. You have many Japanese fans even if you may not believe it”

At the heavy word ‘fans’ Anna could feel how her heart started to beat faster and a little of her individuality dropped. Fans meant there would be people on the street who were most likely to recognize her and intrude in her personal space. She never wanted popularity and she was afraid of being idolized. She wanted to be an anonymous but surely enough that was not going to happen.

“And what am I expected to do?” Sato san chuckled and opened his agenda at one special page.

“There is a book signing tomorrow morning in Ginza. Prepare yourself because there are about 100 or more people planned to come” When she heard the number of people who were supposed to arrive for her, she gulped. It wasn't like she wasn't grateful but there were so many people.

“It will take ages to sign all of their books…” She mumbled, though it was loud enough for the agent to hear. He smiled and patted the page. She looked where he placed his finger and gasped.

“Why am I supposed to go there? Aren't this kind of promotions for the actors?”

On that page was written the name Shinjuku, a place in centre of Tokyo where most people go for shopping or different activities; that wasn't what surprised her.

“I will have to talk about my book and about my expectations in front of wanderers and an interviewer…” She continued. That indeed was one step ahead towards her famous life. She didn't expect that when she heard how praised her book was. 

“Yes. I heard you are a woman of words. I'm sure you will impress everyone.” She bit her lower lip and sighed. She wasn't sure about anything she had to do.

After she left the restaurant, and also a very cheerful Sato san, behind, she wandered the streets until she found herself back at the bridge where she first met Nao. She walked at a very slow pace towards the same place she stood 4 years earlier. She placed her hands on the railing, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The memories she tried to ignore for those years have surfaced.  

She opened her eyes when she heard a faint click. For a moment she expected to see him but instead, there was a married couple making pictures. She took the time to watch them, a small and melancholic smile curving on her lips. It was all so bittersweet.

“Excuse me,” She blinked a few times and got out of the trance she was deeply submerged. “Can you please take a picture of me and my wife?” It was the man she was earlier watching. He wanted a picture with his wife near the water. She smiled and nodded.

“Say cheese!” She tried to make the couple laugh and liven up the whole mood. She wasn't sure if she wanted the two to be happy or if she was simply trying to convince herself that one day she will also have the chance to do that.

On the path back home, she was deeply entranced by her selfishness. She wanted someone but at the same time, she didn't want just anyone.  Also, she had a stable stereotype of her ideal man and she knew well there was just one man that could surpass it. At those thoughts, she shook her head. It wasn't healthy to think like that. It wasn't healthy to even think about him.

“It’s all so wrong” She mumbled and grabbed a hand through her black hair.

“What’s wrong?” She opened her eyes widely and looked towards where she heard the manly voice.

“Takeshi” She whispered. That was definitely a surprise. The man, who didn't look a year older than her, was standing in front of the apartment building, his hands placed deep into his pants’ pockets. He titled his head to the left and smiled boyishly.

“Well? Are you going to give me a hug and say how much you missed me or I may as well leave?” She chuckled and did exactly as she was told. When he felt her tiny hands wrapping around his slender body, he loosened up and returned the gesture. “You still didn't tell me how much you-“

“Shut up” He chuckled and ruffled her hair. 

Goodbye Individuality

In the morning of the departure, everyone from the publishing company was there, taking their own farewells from Anna. She knew half of them were there because of Henry, who was their boss, but also, half were people she came in contact with and were simply doing something nice with no evil intention.

                              

“We’ll miss you!” From the moment they walked out of the apartment, Rosie found vital to let Anna know how much she will be missed. Henry, on the other side, seemed annoyed by the blonde and pushed her aside.

“Call me when you land. Also, if something happens, call me and I’ll fly there in an instant.” Anna rolled her eyes, knowingly.

When her flight had been called on the station, she hugged each person and waved goodbye to them. On the way to the plane, her only thoughts were about how much everything will change when she will get back. It was obvious something will happen and she was curious what and how much it would affect her.

The whole flight, consisting of 24 hours, Anna read every article she could find about the two actors who were going to play her characters and also, the director. She found nothing bad about either of them and seemed to be satisfied with the information.

When the plane landed, she was truthfully happy. Though she didn’t want to admit it, she definitely missed Tokyo. She walked at a normal pace to get her luggage, which wasn’t much, and tried to reminisce the first time she placed foot on Japanese land.  She chuckled when she remembered how scared she was. She was just 18 years old, a young age to start living on your own, but her parents gave her everything she wanted and needed and the only thing they wanted in return was for their daughter to follow her father’s steps. She enrolled into Tokyo University on a subject she wasn’t very interested in. However, that whole time she spent in Tokyo hadn’t been bad. She made friends and eventually, met him.

The memories of his face and the moments they spent together; that one day seemed like it never ended. When she returned to England, for the first two months he was everything she could think about and it hurt. He didn’t contact her and she didn’t try to look for him. Why should had? They knew it wasn’t meant to last.

She seemed so occupied by her own Universe that she couldn’t see the small details around her. Those small details would have changed her life. A man in his mid twenties just returned from Europe too and he walked right past the thoughtful woman. They didn’t realize.

I didn’t realize it…but I never stopped asking myself…Why?

“I’m glad to see you, Anna-chan!” The landlady was more enthusiastic about her return than she was. Miss Tsubaki had always been a nice woman with whom Anna could talk about absolutely anything, even boys related problems. She had seen Nao walking out of Anna’s apartment that morning and she had also seen how he hesitated for a few seconds to leave. However, she never spoke a word. She couldn’t.

“Had there been someone who asked about me these few years?” Tsubaki thought a few minutes. She was debating if she should tell her about the man whose name she didn’t know or about the small remnants.

“There was a guy who came by and asked me when you will come back. I think his name was Takeshi.” Anna smiled softly and nodded before opening the door and walking inside.

 She left her luggage in the hall and walked deeper into the apartment. She tried to be happy that one of her best Japanese friends came by and didn’t forget her but she was equally disappointed that he whom was far more interesting never turned his head to look behind.

A few hours later, after she re-accustomed to the surroundings, Anna went to her favorite place in Tokyo. As soon as she entered, the bartender called for her instantly. She walked to him smiling happily.

“Look who is back! The English beauty!” Anna laughed and punched his arm playfully.

“You know, when people say some things never change they definitely think back of lousy bartenders who are still in College” The younger boy smirked and pinched her cheek. He knew how much she hated that. However, she caught his finger before it could reach her soft skin.

“I read your book,” She rolled her eyes and sat on the chair right in front of him. “You finished business and you work as a writer. How poorly did you end up?” He spoke his words carefully as not to offense her. She knew he was just joking. He had been one of her good friends for a while and she knew him well enough.

“I changed my mind” The bartender raised an eyebrow and leaned on the hand he had on the bar. “I did follow my father’s path and finished business in Tokyo but I choose my own path afterwards” The boy smiled and ruffled her hair. “What about you, Kyoya? Are you going to ever finish College?” He playfully glared at her and smirked.

“I started three and ended up with a fourth. I work my ass off for a raise so I can buy a real violin”

Anna almost forgot her friend was a music prodigy. He had offered a few times to play for her but she never had the chance to agree. There would always come something which had to be done and she wouldn’t have available time.

She ended up spending the whole day talking with her favorite bartender. He had the talent to make people forget about their problems and simply enjoy the present. When she left, she felt heavily lonely. The apartment was empty. There was no soul to accompany the owner and so it got her into a melancholic mood.

“Now I remember why I agreed to leave Rosie live with me…” She scoffed but it wasn’t in a mean way. A smile appeared on her face right after. Rosie reminded her of Kyoya.  They were both loud and always complaining about something but at the same time, they had a big heart and never ceased to amaze her with their ideas.

The next day, right in the early morning, the alarm didn’t even have the time to announce the hour because the phone rang. Groggily, Anna stuck her hand out of the comfortable pillow and searched for the device. Even though it was really close, on the desk, she couldn’t find it. For that, she opened her eyes and finally responded.

“Is this Anna Bolt? I am your agent." For a moment she couldn't comprehend the new information. However, when she finally registered, her sleepy posture tensed and she fully opened her eyes.

"Why do I need an agent? I have been sent here to witness the production right?" The chuckle coming from the other side sounded quite youthful which meant she was talking to a man who had less than 30 years old.

"Indeed. However, the producing company decided you should take part in the promotions. I would like us to meet and talk about your schedule for the next few months."

While the other part hung up, Anna’s mind went overdrive. Firstly, the single action of returning to Japan seemed to make her feel like she may not return to England and secondly, an agent would mean she had some gram of fame, which she definitely didn’t want. That single fact of having an agent meant she could already say goodbye to individuality. Realizing such information she groaned and placed the pillow over her face. 

Turned Japanese

The next morning, the silence of the house got interrupted by the annoyingly continuous ringing of a phone. The one to get up and respond was definitely not the one with a heavy headache and a hangover.

“Hello?” Anna wasn't the one that started the conversation. The person on the other side seemed too eager. “Anna, I have such big new for you! They’re humongous actually!” The sleepy woman just agreed with a sound. “It seems your book got sell so well in Japan that they want to transform it into a movie! Can you believe it?” Anna took a small pause, to register what she had been told, and truthfully, she didn't get too excited. “ Shouldn't you be more enthusiastic about this?” She shrugged and sat up. Looking around, she didn't even realize she had fallen asleep while channel surfing last night.

“I am; it’s just too early. So, what do you want me to do?” The voice from the other side scoffed.

“They already found a cast and dealt with everything regarding the script. All you have to do is to fly to Japan and to witness your hard work being paid off.” She grabbed her messy hair and started to pat it while one hand went to scratch her eye. “Are you listening to me? Pack up; you’re leaving in two days.”

“For how long?” She asked sleepily while making her way into the kitchen.

“Undefined time” That was all before the line went silent. Anna groaned and scratched her back.

“Damn…” She mumbled in Japanese.

Later that day, Anna was on her way to the publisher’s office. It seemed she got a phone call, that she didn't actually receive, which was telling her to come by for a pep talk right before becoming internationally famous.

When she opened the door, she almost fell on her back. There were a lot of people, doing practically nothing except talking on the phone. The editor was nowhere to be seen while the publisher who dealt with every mood of hers was silently typing on his computer. He noticed her instantly and waved. She couldn't fake any expression while being around him. He had known her for too long not to notice.

“Remember what day was when you walked in this exactly room and asked for a chance?”

His soft and deep voice sounded perfect for storytelling. He was very attentive to what words he would use and his black eyes were even more beautiful behind those glasses. His messy black hair was recently cut, maybe because of his negative reaction when his father told him he resembled a girl before. The truth was that for his age, which was recently 27, he looked definitely younger. His cheekbones where thin and the bone was easily seen, making that his beauty mark. He was quite fashionable too. He loved to dress differently every day, mostly because he had to waltz from office to office and also go to important balls or meetings. 

“If I remember correctly, that’s the same question you ask me every time I take a break.” He chuckled and hugged her.

In his arms, she could feel safe. That was mainly why he was the shoulder she could any time cry on. He was that best guy who might have been in love with his best friend since forever but would not tell a word so that she would find her own happiness. She knew that but she also knew he resembled that man too much and that was the main reason she didn't want to destroy a beautiful friendship over love matters.

“I heard you’re going back to Japan.” She nodded while he gave her a pack of cookies. She raised an eyebrow, confused, but took one nonetheless. It felt fresh which meant his mother just paid him a visit.  “Are you going to look after him?” The tone of his voice was obviously telling exactly the otherwise. ‘You shouldn't look for him. Your place is here.’ That was the translation. Also, that was what Anna heard too.

“The truth is that I don’t know. I choose to follow the natural turn of events and here I am, talking with you” She stopped and bent her head. She placed the cookies back on his desk and bit her lip. “I don’t know what I want, Henry. I just know that if I will meet him again, even though it’s improbable, I won’t hesitate to tell him what I feel” He nodded and tried to change the mood he tangled her into.

“Do you remember where I took you after you’re first published book?” She stuck her tongue out a little, thinking.

“My first published book was ‘Black Water’ which had a horrible subject. You took me to…a graveyard?” She titled her head, not reconciling that moment well. Henry widened her eyes in amusement and started to laugh.

“No, no.” The laughter died a little and he grabbed a hand through his hair, getting it even messier. “It was that bohemian tea house. You said back then that it reminded you of the good old times, whatever were those” She remembered. That tea house was abnormally looking like the one from Tokyo. The so called good old times were the moments she talked about nonsense with that man.

“Do you want to go there? Can you leave?” She asked, sounding to be in a hurry. He chuckled and ruffled her hair.

“Of course I can. I own this place, in case you had forgotten.” She rolled her eyes and pushed him playfully. He was exactly what she needed when she returned to London and in those moments he was exactly the person she didn't want to say goodbye to.

When she got home, which happened to be really late at night, Rosie was silently waiting while making popcorn. The microwave signalled the finished product at the same time Anna closed the door behind her.

“You came just in time!” The blonde was trying to open the pack but it was too hot and she almost burned her fingers. “Ouch! It’s so difficult” Anna rolled her eyes and walked towards her younger friend. On the way she gave her overcoat down and placed it on the chair. She easily broke the bag and put the popcorn into a bowl.

“It wasn't that hard, was it?” Rosie stuck her tongue out as a response. She grabbed Anna’s hand and went into the living room. She grabbed the coffee table and moved it aside. She planted herself in front of the couch and patted the place next to her. Anna simply complied and waited to see what her friend had in store for her.

“So, since I'm really curious how your movie-“

“It’s not mine. Only the plot is” Rosie looked unfazed at her and continued with her idea.

“Well I heard some hot actors will play important roles. For example the Taka guy. He’s the most important man in the whole book and he has to look handsome. From what I found on internet, Taka will be played by Matsumoto Jun. Wow, Anna!” She rolled her eyes and turned to her flat mate with a peculiar expression. “He played in so many awesome dramas and movies! Oh look!  Hana Yori Dango! That drama we watched together!”

“More like you made me watch it and translate it.” She smiled sweetly to Anna and went back to her business.

“Also, Nana’s role will be played by a Japanese woman.” Anna raised an eyebrow, her attention, which was earlier on the popcorn, went instantly to her friend. “It says right here!” She pointed to her laptop’s screen. “Japanese actress Keiko Kitagawa will play Nana’s character. Originally, the character was Caucasian but the director changed slightly some characteristics” She took a break and glanced to the brunette. She seemed deep in thoughts.

“So Nana became Japanese…” She mumbled. Rosie nodded and patted her friend’s head.

“It’s ok. That doesn't change the past. Nana is still British but is played by a Japanese actress and-“She stopped when she heard the elder started to laugh.

“ I'm Japanese” Rosie was dumbfounded. “They made me Japanese. That’s something. And the actor who plays Nao…” She stared at his picture and started to chuckle. “He looks nothing like him” Rosie shrugged and scrolled down. She actually started to read the whole article out loud. Anna started to laugh over some facts and seemed very intrigued by the concept the movie will have.

They didn't respect my plot. But, didn't that mean the distance between these two characters was so big that even the actors who were going to play them were completely different? It was strange. I did feel rejected a little bit. It wasn't my plot. It wasn't my life. What they were doing was just a new scenario because truthfully, there was no ending to the real story.

The next few days flew too fast for my condition. I spent them with Rosie and Henry in the apartment or simply walking around London. It felt nice but I knew when I will be back, again, something would be changed. I planned the whole departure; my apartment in Tokyo was still intact and awaiting. At some level, I was afraid but I was equally enthusiastic. 

**so I kind of used Matsu Jun and Keiko Kitagawa because they are actors I admire greatly and they just seemed to fit in I guess...also in my dream (because I did dream this whole story) Nao looked more like Osamu Mukai (I watched too many dramas with him lately). And as for Anna...well she kind of looked like a mix between Lucy Hale and Nina Dobrev. 

***Oh oh and this story is like...a story into a story. I've seen that people didn't understand that. Anna is actually  Nana and because she couldn't use his name in the book, Nao is Taka. And the book she wrote and people make a big fuss about, is actually based on that day when they met. That's all.

Reality

"Anna! Come quick! You’re on the news again!” The small brunette that once had her hair long and loose with the tips curled became a grown up adult. Her hair was shorter, she had bangs and her green eyes looked even bigger because of the eye liner  She wasn't any more some girl who was searching for a reason to live. She had found it.

“Huh. Who would have thought some shitty book will get so much attention…” She placed her head on one hand while the other held the remote. Her flat mate, Rosie, seemed offended by her friend’s words.

“Shitty? It’s brilliant! The best you came up with! The story is so romantic! Who would have thought that one day with some stranger would turn up to become a love story! It’s beautiful.” Anna watched her friend quietly. She never told anyone from where she got the idea. She simply wrote it down and in no time, it became a box office success in Europe and Asia.

“You know, I've written other books too…Why don’t you praise them like this?” She mumbled loud enough for her friend to hear. Rosie scoffed and jumped on the couch, next to Anna.

“Because it doesn't have the same feeling to it. You wrote before about death and about depression. This is about pure love! From where did you even get this idea? Lovers in Tokyo…” Anna chuckled and placed her feet close to her chest. No one could stop the small smile forming on her lips. Not even the last four years of loneliness.

“I lived it.” Rosie widened her eyes and opened her mouth. “I met him four years ago, right before entering my last year of college. It was just one day and one man that changed my world. So, I choose to change others’ worlds too by writing about it.” Rosie nodded.

“What about the ending?” Anna started to laugh loudly, giving Rosie the bitter feelings she felt through the years.

“There’s no ending. I created one. The man I met wasn't one that could've been kept into one place. He was someone who simply went after the wind.” After the last sentence, she walked into her room, leaving a melancholic Rosie behind.

Behind the closed doors of her room, Anna walked to her desk and opened the second drawer. She grabbed a picture which seemed to have been torn from a newspaper and stared at it. It sent bitter sweet feelings through her heart which were shown through a frown.  

A few hours later, when it was seemingly getting dark, Anna found herself stuck with her fellow friends who were also artists, into a noisy pub. Rosie was the one who gathered everyone at the table so she could tell the big news to everyone. The brunette wasn't too happy with the location but she did enjoy the time with her mates.

“So,” She started but the noise was covering her tiny, female voice. She rolled her eyes and grunted. “I said ,SO!’”  She yelled. The whole room got silent and every pair of eyes turned to her. The scowl she previously had transformed magically into a sweet smile. “I have some big news regarding our brilliant friend, Anna!”

“Are you getting married?” One of the boys asked the culprit, frowning.

Anna gulped down her drink, already fed up with the surreal attention she was getting. That didn't stop the stares, making her drink even faster.

“Idiots. It’s about the book. It reached the American box office too! Aren't you happy?” Everyone groaned. “That means we get paid more.” The whole table started to cheer. While Rosie went back to her seat, Anna glared at her.

“Who’s more caught up into this story? The writer or the reader?” The blonde smiled sweetly and patter her friend’s thigh. 

“If you ever meet him again, thank me.” She whispered before entering a fiery conversation between the people on the table. Anna rolled her eyes but couldn't agree with her. It wasn't meant to be so that, logically, meant they will never meet again.

On the path back home, the blonde was so drunk that she couldn't walk at least one meter without tripping over her own feet. The older woman couldn't say she was fed up with her friend’s behaviour because she already got accustomed with her personality, which hadn't been easy. London was famous for the rainy weather and that night didn't make an exception. The fortunate fact was that the two girls were really close to the apartment.

Inside the elevator, Rosie started to talk nonsense while Anna was furiously pushing the 6^th floor’s button. She was calm but inside, she was sure she would have killed the younger woman and makes it look like a suicide. She was a good sadistic writer, she could even use one of her many stories to cover the crime. Even she was surprised when, after 3 years since the incident, she wrote it down like it happened yesterday. She sighed and rubbed her forehead. The consummation of alcohol started to take a tool on her head too.

“Lover in Tokyo, huh?” Even worse was when Rosie decided to make her feel miserable. After a funny hiccup and a few slurred words that she couldn't understand, she grabbed the blonde’s hand and walked out of the elevator and inside their apartment, having a few problems with getting the keys. On one hand she had Rosie and on the other she had her purse and a few more groceries.

After Rosie had been tucked in her bed safely, Anna walked into the kitchen, not sleepy yet. She changed into a loose shirt and long pyjama pants and, on her way to making tea, she also turned on the TV. While waiting for the water to heat up, she heard another show where her book was praised.

“It’s not like I've wrote it now. It’s been out for a year now…” She mumbled while changing the channel. It was indeed a mystery how no one had ever heard about her in a year and, one day, out of nowhere, thousands of reporters appeared in front of her door.

She grabbed her favourite cup, which was bought from Japan, and poured the sweet tea inside. The steam rising from the hotness of the water seemed to get Anna into a melancholic state. She sighed hard, like she just left her soul out, and walked towards the TV. She sat on the couch and cuddled into the softness of it, the cup held tightly in her hands.  The program was boring, nothing seemed to get old but nothing new appeared. It was like a vicious cycle. Everything on the television was bullshit and she knew that. It was all too faked and covered: old stories, arranged so that they would look new. It was overwhelming.

In that moment I realized what he meant. I was getting miserable, bored of everything. I did go with the flow and ended up back in England, with a University finished in management and business but I became a writer. I really didn’t know what reason I could find to live happily. What was happiness? I started to ask myself. I wanted to get the easy way out but that path was definitely not in Europe.

Fireworks

Outside was dark when the two got out of the café. Nana shuddered, not expecting to be so chilly at night. She completely forgot how she was dressed. Nao remarked how her muscles tensed and figured it was because it had gotten colder. He didn’t give her his sweater, like any man would have; instead, he pulled her closer to him and hugged her. They both stopped breathing for a few seconds. The force between them became obvious. Trying not to show the fireworks inside his heart, Nao started to walk, bringing Nana with him.

In the darkness, with few people around, Nao didn’t have a clue where he was going. He simply led the way to somewhere. While wandering on the streets they heard a big noise which seemed to make the ground shake. Their heads rose to the sky just in time to see the fireworks. Nao chuckled. It was amusing how his feelings have been materialized. Nana’s eyes were enlightened and the green orbs looked even more beautiful. Nao turned his back to the other side and closed his eyes, trying to regain control over his heart and body.

Back on the road to nowhere, Nana shuddered again and, unconsciously, got even closer to him, grabbing his hand. Out of nowhere, Nao stopped.

“Are we lost?” Nana chuckled silently and shook her head. He tried to figure if it was the same path they took when they first arrived but the streets looked different in the night.

“We’re fine. A few more steps and we’re back to the crowded and noisy centre of Tokyo.”

It was cute how he panicked back then. It made me feel protected even if he didn’t know his way around. His grip on my hand tightened but I was sure he didn’t even remark it. When we got back on the known path, I pulled away and walked next to him, at a normal distance. He walked me back home. I didn’t want it to end but I didn’t want it to last either. Maybe, that thought was what kept me from looking after him. It was just one day.

“Thanks for taking me home.” He chuckled and ruffled her head. It felt personal and weird. However, seeing how she didn't protest, he believed it was fine. “ I'm surprised you did, actually. You seemed freaked out back there.”

“OI! I was just tensing up! Who knew when someone might have stroke?!” She rolled her eyes and pushed him playfully. He chuckled and caught her hand.

In that moment, that touch was enough to send me over the edge. My feelings exploded and I couldn't control myself any more  I remember I was the one to take action. I walked so close that I could feel the heat emitting from his body. I didn't care if he would respond or not, but I did have my own theories about the connection between us. Our lips were just a breath away. I will never forget the moment he leaned in and kissed me. I could swear everything else disappeared and there remained just the two of us. From a small peck, we got into my apartment and then…Let’s just say that one day have been the best of my entire life.

When I woke up the next morning, he wasn't there anymore. I knew it would have come to this. I knew what we had was simply the spur of the moment. However, that man changed me. He turned my entire world upside down by just being there. Someone who meant close to nothing became someone for me and I became someone for the world. 

One Day

They did end up somewhere close to the centre of Tokyo. The shopping centre was packed and when he saw her eyes lighting up, he felt a shiver go down his spine. However, her eyes weren't on the shopping centre  She smiled softly and walked in front. He got curious where she was heading to and trailed behind.

The place she wanted so badly to go to was a few streets down, in an emptier and more silent neighbourhood  His eyes trailed over every block on the street. The people there didn't give him a second glance; they were completely uninterested of what was around them.

“This place is creepy,” The girl laughed and shook her head. She chose to wait up for him since the shop she was looking for wasn't too far.

“This is actually one of the nicest places I've ever been to. Some of my friends live around her.”

“It’s too silent. It feels like we’re not in Tokyo any more.”  She chuckled and placed her hands into the small pockets of her thin sweater.  

“It’s here.”

They stopped in front of a small coffee shop, which looked a bit abstract. The building looked very old and almost haunted. When they entered, he got a shock. It was amazingly done inside. It smelled of freshly made coffee and wood. There was a small portion where the bar was and on the opposite were a few tables. On the walls, there were pictures of old Japanese and Western indie bands and different pieces of art. She walked deeper into the building and opened another door. Nao found himself more and more amazed. The second looked like a traditional English living room. It has posters with different English personalities and characters. One wall was occupied by a library, each shelf full with diverse literature; the rest of the walls were simply covered with different art objects older customers have brought. There were also a few cushions and three small coffee tables.

“It’s nice, huh?” She sat on one of the cushions and sighed, happily. He walked towards the library and scanned the titles and authors. “This is the first place I had ever come across when I first came to Tokyo. I was intrigued why they used United Kingdom as a muse,” Her eyes trailed to the pictures on the walls. “They said it’s because of music and the impact the English literature had on the world.” Her eyes also trailed to the new acquaintance. He was dressed in a pair of black pants, had a white shirt and a colourful cardigan over it. He looked entranced by the magic of that collection of literature.

“This place…How could I have not known about it?” She laughed and walked near him. She touched one book and grabbed it out.

“Sometimes we choose to ignore the things that look different. This building looks awful outside, but inside, it leaves you speechless.”  He bent his head, thinking.

When he heard the door open and close, he realized she walked out. He sighed and took another look at his surroundings. The room was beige. Everything was very simple but classy and tasteful.

“Are you still admiring the room?” He got completely stunned when she walked back in with two recipients in her hands, unnoticed. She placed the cups down on the table and took her spot back. He also sat opposite her and relaxed.

“How come I feel like is winter instead of summer?” He stated, amused. She chuckled and took a sip from her beverage.

“Because it gives off a comforting feeling, homey even.” She sighed and looked up to him. “It’s not hot coffee. I know it’s pretty hot outside and here it isn't any better.” His smile disappeared completely from his face and stared intently into her eyes.

“Who are you?” She bit her lip and clicked her tongue.

“You can call me Nana.” He nodded, though he wasn't sure why she didn't tell him her real name. “ I'm in my last year of University. I study Business and Management.” He was a little surprised she gave him details about her life, even if they weren't that important.

“ I'm a freelancer. I don’t have a job right now.” They both looked into each others’ eyes yet no one spoke another word. It didn't feel awkward. It felt normal, intense even. However, they both felt it…

I knew that was the first and last time we will ever meet. I could feel it in my heart and I was sure he did too. It was unfortunate but looking into his eyes, back then, made me want to learn more about him and his life. I didn't ask much and didn't tell much either. We started to talk about usual subjects like books and music but it was obvious he was trying hard not to ask me about different things, to ask me about what we had talked about when we just met. Life and reasons; happiness and dreams. But he didn't because we didn't have the chance to talk about the old times. One day. It was just a one day meeting.